The Windsor Charter Academy Executive Board would like to share highlights from our October 15th Work Session and October 22nd Regular Session, including Executive Board appointments, financial oversight, and opportunities to connect with our school community.
Welcoming Our New Executive Board Appointees
The Executive Board appointed Donna James to the vacant seat, with a term ending in 2027, and Jill Burrell to the seat, with a term ending in 2028. Both will be sworn in at the November 19th Regular Session, bringing the Executive Board to its full complement of seven members.
Donna brings nine years of service on the Windsor Charter Academy Executive Board, including serving as Board Treasurer and continuing to serve on the Finance Committee. Jill brings expertise in civil engineering, project leadership, and volunteer board service, along with the valuable perspective of a current parent at our school.
We thank Donna, Jill, and other applicants for their willingness to serve and for sharing their perspectives during the candidate presentations and interviews. We also appreciate the Election Committee’s work reviewing applications and verifying candidate qualifications. We look forward to welcoming Donna and Jill to the Executive Board.
Financial Audit and Responsible Stewardship
The Executive Board accepted Windsor Charter Academy’s 2025–2026 financial audit following its presentation and discussion at the October Work Session. The school received an unmodified, or “clean,” audit opinion.
Executive Board members appreciated the auditor’s thorough review, recommendations for continued improvement, and recognition of Finance Manager Lauren Miller’s work. We extend our thanks to Lauren and everyone who contributed to the audit process for their time, preparation, and attention to detail.
Reviewing the audit is an important part of the Executive Board’s responsibility to oversee the school’s financial management and stewardship of public funds.
2027–2028 School Calendar Approved
The Executive Board approved Option #1 of the 2027–2028 school calendar following input from the Calendar Committee and a survey of staff, parents, and guardians.
Of the 820 survey respondents, 76% favored Option #1, which provides a full week of Thanksgiving break (November 22–26, 2027). The calendar also accommodates the school’s early college program by aligning the end of the first semester with the start of winter break.
Thank you to everyone who participated. Your feedback helped inform the recommendation and the Executive Board’s decision.
Continuing Our Membership in the Colorado League of Charter Schools
The Executive Board approved Windsor Charter Academy’s continued membership in the Colorado League of Charter Schools for 2026–2027 after reviewing its benefits and cost.
Discussions focused on charter school advocacy, training, networking, and governance resources, including materials used in developing the Executive Board Handbook. Executive Board members emphasized the importance of regularly evaluating these types of expenditures to ensure they continue to provide value to Windsor Charter Academy.
Continuing Our Governance Work
At the October Work Session, the Executive Board received training on the Colorado Open Records Act and school communication practices. Members also continued reviewing Article 3 (Sections 6–15) of the Bylaws. Additionally, the Executive Board discussed proposed revisions to the Executive Director evaluation process.
Connecting with Our Firebird Community
October offered Executive Board members opportunities to participate in school walkthroughs, attend student activities and athletic events, connect with staff during Sodas with Elementary School Staff, and join families at Trunk-or-Treat. Thank you to the staff, students, families, and volunteers who made these experiences possible!
At the Regular Session, the Middle School Student Ambassadors shared how they support school events, welcome students, lead service activities, and develop their leadership and communication skills. We appreciated hearing directly from students about both the rewards and challenges of their responsibilities.
The Executive Board also joins the school community in congratulating Windsor Charter Academy’s four National Merit Commended Students and recognizing the educators and families who support our students’ accomplishments.
Looking Ahead
Windsor Charter Academy will host its middle and high school Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Showcase on Tuesday, November 3rd, welcoming educators to observe teaching and learning across the school. The elementary school is preparing for AVID National Demonstration School review as the first elementary school in Colorado to be considered for this distinction.
The next Executive Board meetings will take place in the Middle School Media Center:
Work Session: Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Regular Session: Thursday, November 19, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., including the swearing-in of our new Executive Board appointees.
Families and staff are encouraged to attend and stay informed through Board Connect, where meeting information and governance resources are available.
Please also join us for Coffee with Leadership on Friday, November 20th, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., in the Middle School Media Center. This is an opportunity to ask questions and connect with school and Executive Board leadership.
Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to Windsor Charter Academy.
